Keeping grass and weeds out of garden.

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robotec Plainfield, IL Sep 14, 2009

What is the most effective option for keeping weeds and grass out of garden beds? I planted a new patio garden bed a few weeks ago and I'm seeing weeds and grass already.

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decklife Rockport, TX(Zone 9b) Sep 14, 2009

A thick layer of mulch is your first line of defense, that plus plucking the weeds quick as they appear. I use black plastic pound-in edging, which helps some. Round-Up can be squirted on the stubborn weeds but be careful not to hit your bedding plants.

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themoonhowl Prairieville, LA(Zone 9a) Sep 14, 2009

You can also use a preemergent treatment like Preen or Amaze. You need to be sure and read the label directions carefully. It will help stop seeds from sprouting.

http://www.allaboutlawns.com/lawn-weeds-pests/weed-control-begins-with-pre-emergent-herbicide.php

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=howTo&p=LawnGarden/weeding.html

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decklife Rockport, TX(Zone 9b) Sep 15, 2009

Are pre-emergents suitable for garden beds?

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themoonhowl Prairieville, LA(Zone 9a) Sep 15, 2009

Unless you are starting plants in the bed from seed, or using plants that you want to reseed, otherwise, yes.

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robotec Plainfield, IL Sep 16, 2009

Well, the mulch was already there, but I should've mixed in some preen with the soil before planting. I ended up using round up and was careful not to get any on my plants. We'll see if I was careful enough in a couple of days.

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themoonhowl Prairieville, LA(Zone 9a) Sep 16, 2009

Hey decklife. rather than run the risk of accidently squirting a favorite plant with round up, get one of the cheapo catsup squeeze bottles from the $ Store. Mix your round-up and then just squeeze a little on the weeds....no overspray to damage your pretties....and lots of dead weeds.

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decklife Rockport, TX(Zone 9b) Sep 17, 2009

That is a very very good idea. I don't like spraying anyway, plus the Ready-to-Use sprayers sometimes dribble where you don't want stuff killed. Excellent idea!

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themoonhowl Prairieville, LA(Zone 9a) Sep 17, 2009

Glad to help. My weed killing arsenal includes squirt bottles, paint brushes, a paint roller and pan, a flexible plastic kitchen cutting board and one of those plastic tubes with the sponge on it that is supposed to hold dish soap. Options, give me options....grin

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flowAjen central, NJ(Zone 6b) Sep 17, 2009

Edging helps a lot to keep grass encroaching on your garden.

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